CONTROLLED WOOD POLICY

Samartex Timber And Plywood Co. Limited will implement its best efforts to avoid trading and sourcing wood from the following categories as a minimum.

Wood from forests where traditional or civil rights are violated.
Forest areas where High Conservation Values (HCV) is threatened.
Wood from genetically modified (GM) trees.
Wood that has been harvested illegally.
Wood is harvested from areas that have been converted from natural forests to plantations or for non-forest uses.
In line with this, we would open up to third-party verification to demonstrate that our forest products are sourced from non - controversial forests.

Samartex to help Assembly develop Amenfi West
Samartex a wood processing firm at samreboi in the Amenfi West District of the Western Region ,has pledged to colobarate with district assembly and author decentralized departments to develop samreboi.

Mr.Richard Nsenkyire ,Genaral Manager led the DCE for Amenfi West,Victor Samuel Meisu; the Gyasehene of Asankragua Nana Adu Boahene , and some author traditional rulers and the staff of SAMARTEX to inspect the bridge the company helped the Ghna Highways Authority ( G H A ) with Ghana GHc 684,000 to construct on Tano River.

He said the bridge linking Amenfi West and Aowin districts collapsed in 2011 compelling the traveling public to make detours.The inconvenience ,according to him, prompted the company to offer to assist the GHA with the said amount to build the bridge.

The Company, He said, was also engage in the regular maintenance of all roads with in the Samreboi Township.
On Health, Mr.Nsenkyire said, Samartex was operating a hospital which serve three districts.

The Administrator of the 84 bed SAMARTEX hospital ,Ms.Cristina Nkoom, said the hospital , which served 77 communities in the three districts, had in situated an Eye Clinic recently to handle the numerous Eye problems, reported regularly at the Ear Nose Throat ( E N T ) department.She said the average daily attendance at the OPD was 250 and commended the 70 hospital staff for living up to expectation.she said about 60 % of the staff were on samartex payroll with the remaining 40 % coming from government for attachment and authors.

The DCE of Amenfi West, Mr.Victor S.Meisu commended SAMARTEX for its contributions in the educational roads and health sectors an urged other companies to emulate it
( SAMARTEX ) to accelerate national development.

By

Peter Gbambila Samreboi ( Ghana Times )

After sojourning in the wilderness of Division 2 for three (3) seasons, Football Club Samartex 1996 affectionately called ‘Timber Giant’ finally broke the jinx of failing to qualify back to Division One on Two (2) occasions by beating Nzema Kotoko by a lone goal in the Finals of the Western Region Second Division Middle League which ended after 8 days of competitive soccer at the Essipon Sports Stadium, Sekondi from Sunday 1st June to 8th June 2014..

Having played in the Zonal league with seven (7) other teams drawing only three (3) matches and winning the other 23 matches without a single loss, Samartex approached the Sub-Middle League as clear favorites winning its two(2) matches to qualify for the Middle League proper.

With Eight (8) teams grouped into 2 groups, Samartex won its first two matches, a 2-1 and 3-1 victory against Twin City FC of Sekondi-Takoradi and Afari Kessben FC of Sefwi Bekwai respectively and on the basis of the head to head rules used, FC Samartex qualified for the final match with one group match to spare against Dolphins FC.

Nzema Kotoko FC on the other hand qualified to the finals on paper through various protests right from their league to the Sub-Middle League and another protest for non-payment of a fine imposed on Ghana Wise FC who beat them 1-0 and thus should have met FC Samartex in the Final Match.

FC Samartex, who were the clear favourites given the scintillating football exhibited in wining its first two (2) matches took control of the match right from kick-off and missed a plethora of goal opportunities through its strikers Kweku Aidoo and Shamsu Mohammed. However, two (2) minutes into injury time in the first half, a one-two between Shamsu and Philip Johnson resulted in the ball falling perfectly for Shamsu to slot in the goal which turned out to be the only goal of the match after the 90 minutes stipulated period.

All the awards at stake were scooped by FC Samartex winning the Best Goalkeeper in the player of Mohammed Hussein, Most Valuable Player (Best Player) in the person of Philip Johnson and the overall Championship Trophy signifying the promotion back to Division One.

In a short ceremony in front of the Administration Block of Samartex Timber & Plywood Company Limited, the event was summarized by the Administrator to the Club, Alex O. Eshun to the General Manager with all the players eagerly watching whilst the magnificent Championship Trophy was handed over to the General Manager by Coach Nassam Abubakar and Captain Michael Addo.

In lauding the exploits of the team, the General Manager Mr. Richard Nsenkyire thanked the entire team for raising the flag of Samartex Timber and Plywood Company Limited, Samreboi, indicating that the football team has been showcasing the image of the company to the entire world more than anything, promising to stand by the team in its efforts to bring premiership football to Samreboi and thus to the Wasa Amenfi and Aowing Suaman Traditional Areas which harbours its operational areas.

Line Up of the team for the tournament include : Mohammed Hussein, Michael Addo, Francis Dadzie, Fatawu Abubakar, Isaac Sraha, Yusif Yakubu, Alfred Forson, Daniel Amuzu, Abdul Hanan Alhassan, Kwesi Musah, Philip Johnson, Kweku Aidoo , Latif Ibrahim, Mohammed Shamsu, Jonathan Frimpong, Ebenezer Boakye, Raymond Kwofie, Alex Anane, Malik Reuben, Prince Gordon Sam, Isaac Kofi Nunoo, Patrick Fiifi Ofori, John Takyi and Michael Leba Kwesie. PRO - Nii Baah and Welfare Officer – Simpson Danquah.

The world's leading trade fair for furniture production and interior finishing recorded a slight increase in visitor numbers compared to 2011 with around 53,000 visitors - including estimates from the last day of the trade fair - from 148 countries. The share of visitors from abroad was about 70 per cent. A clear rise in visitors from Asia, North America and Eastern Europe in particular was seen at interzum. "With the current growth in exhibitors and especially in international visitors, interzum again proved that it is the location worldwide that gives the market and thus the sector's business its impetus", was the summary from Katharina C. Hamma, Managing Director of Koelnmesse.

The 1,512 companies from 62 countries ensured a strong appeal this year. 391 of them came from Germany, while 1,121 arrived from abroad. With 266 companies Italy was mostly strongly represented, followed by Turkey with 101 companies. In total this results in an increase of 7 per cent compared to the previous event (2011: 1,412).

The total exhibition space grew by around 6 per cent. As at previous versions of interzum, decision-makers were the main visitors at the trade fair, which exhibitors have always found praiseworthy.

A total of around 53,000 trade visitors - including estimates from the last day of the trade fair - (52,400 visitors in 2011) came to the metropolis on the Rhine. Around 18,000 visitors were from Germany. More than 35,000 came from 148 countries around the world. Above all there were increases in visitor numbers from abroad. In particular, this included from China, the US, Great Britain, Russia, Poland and Turkey.Samartex participated in the exhibition and were among the leading wood suppllers.

EcoCraft

At the end of January, 2009 the Samartex Carving Department, EcoCraft was invited to Accra to participate in a workshop on Exporting Wooden Home Accessories to Denmark. This workshop was organized by the Danish Import Promotion Programme (DIPP) in collaboration with Aid to Artisans Ghana (ATAG), as part of their Targeted Marketing Campaign (TMC).

The workshop facilitators were Margret Stage (DIPP), Liselotte and Henriette (FairTrade Designers), who were there to discuss topics concerning product design as well as export issues, and marketing of our product in Europe and Denmark in particular.

After the workshop the DIPP chose to work with EcoCraft on some designs by the FairTrade Designers to be promoted in the Danish market.

From the 16th to 20th of April Henriette visited us in Samreboi and brought with her some interesting bowl designs. Together we discussed the drawings, raw materials as well as technical and practical issues as to how possible it is to actualize the designs.

SAX Annual Award Ceremony

Samartex have been recognizing her employees every year for their dedication, contribution, commitment and their long service with the company. Common levels of years of service awards include 10, 15, 20 and 30 year milestones. Most recent implemented award was the best employee award which was presented to each department one employ by cash and various author gifts. The gifts was honored in the presence of distinguished guests, Top Management and other Management Staff.

DEPARTMENTAL BEST WORKERS FOR THE YEAR 2013

1. LOGYARD EMMANUEL CUDJOE

2. SAWMILL AMBROSE ASARE

3. SAWSHOP ROLAND COOKE

4. VENEERMILL SMITH ANSAH

5. CARVING JOHN MENSAH

6. MOULDINGMILL JAMES ABEKAH

7. NSK ISAAC P. KWOFIE

8. IT/MIS

FORDJOUR SAMUEL

9. POWERHOUSE AZUMAH JAMES

10. LOGISTICS JOHN KWOFIE

11. PLYMILL SAMUEL ESSAH

12. W.T/Q.C/THAUMATIN

ROSE OWIREDU

13. STORES/CANTEEN EMMANUEL DANKWAH

14. ELECTRICAL

SAMUEL ANDOH

15. TRANSPORT

THOMAS AMARKYE

16. FORESTRY DAVID DADZIE

17. ADMINISTRATION

EBENEZER SAM

18. SCHOOL CHRISTOPHER BERVEL

19. HOSPITAL GODFREY ISAAC

20. TAKORADI REXTON AMEYAW KWAKYE

21. ACCRA JOHN ESSIEN

22. ESTATE EDITH MINTAH

23. CIVIL/BUILDING CLEMENT LUTTERODT

24. SECURITY EDWARD KOFI NTI

25. SUGGESTION BOX EKOW AYITEY

The provision and effective use of Health and Safety materials for all categories of employees in all spheres of the company’s operations is paramount to the attainment of the goal and vision of the company.

Managing the Health and Safety needs of a variety of employees has been entrusted in the hands of a Safety Committee whose responsibility is to make regular checks on the employees while at their duties and to enforce the use of the gadgets supplied to them by the designated section.

It is imperative that workers are adequately protected to forestall any calamity or risk which could befall the employee.
A section of the forestry staff requires as Wellington Boots, Raincoats, Cutlasses among others for use especially in the enumeration areas, Nose Mask, Ear Muffler, Rubber and Leather Gloves are also used by the operators in the use of the Chainsaw Machines.

Portable water is always transported in Water Tankers to the forest operational areas where it is very difficult to get access to clean water apart from streams which may not be good enough for the health of our cherished employees.

The various categories of drivers from the Saloon, Tippers, and Loggers to the Caterpillar drivers / operators are all taken through various safety training periodically to decrease if not eradicate the occurrence of avoidable accidents which could take a toll not only on the precious lives of employees but could also shorten the durability of the much needed machines and vehicles in the sustenance of the company.

In addition to these, Fire Extinguishers have been made available at all needed points of the factory whilst Fire Hydrants has either been repaired or installed at accessible areas for ready use in case of any fire outbreak.

Statistics available over the last five (5) years from 2010 to the middle of 2014 indicate a drastic improvement of industrial accidents due to the pragmatic approach taken by the management of the company through its designated personnel who have executed their tasks very well to achieve targets set.

The year 2010 recorded industrial accidents of 31, 2011 recorded 28, 2012 registered 26, 2013 had 22 with the half year of 2014 registering only 8 which is a vast improvement in the prevention rate. Over this period there were only three (3) fatal accidents two (2) in the forest and one (1) at the Sawmill department.

Thus, Messrs Thomas Asaase Gyimah and Dr. Arnor Aigner have been able to cater and manage the needs of the factory / forestry and the Fire Brigade respectively.

Dr. Anor who has been assigned the oversight responsibilities for the Fire Brigade has been working assiduously to make the previously dormant section to tick and to be abreast with time. Since the beginning of the year, the company has imported two (2) modern Fire tenders to help curb the oft fire occurrence in and around the factory and the company bungalows and quarters.

Various departmental groups have also been formed who are being drilled through various training in putting out fires. This has actually given them the needed knowhow and confidence to fight any raging fire which could emanate from the factory as a result of our production execution as was the case when a section of the Veneer Mill got burnt destroying volumes per cubic meters of finished products and sheds which cost the company millions of dollars in revenue and repair works..

Notwithstanding the monumental strides made over the past couple of years in the field of Safety, management of the company continues to bring health services to the door step of the workers and their families at home.

This is demonstrated by the magnificent services offered at the Samartex Hospital which provides medical care 24 hours a day to its numerous patients from the company employees and their families as well as to the citizens of Samreboi Township and its environs comprising towns, villages’ cottages and hamlets all scattered in a radius of about 30 kilometers.

The National Health Insurance Scheme is pursued to the hilt relieving patients needing both emergency and normal services to benefit in spite of the bottlenecks involved in its repayment of funds spent by the hospitals involved.

A greater focus on our Hospital and its structures shall be digressed more in our next feature to delve an insight into their marvelous operations which has not only augmented the health needs of the company’s employees but indeed has brought health services at a cheaper cost to the door step of the inhabitants in the middle of the forest belt of Ghana

Published in HUMAN RESOURCES

Samartex Timber and Plywood Company Ltd is 20 years and as part of its celebration the management of Samartex have put in place various activities to ensure a successful occasion.

The anniversary programme outline shall begin on Saturday April 25, 2015 and end on Sunday May 3, 2015. A ten member committee was set to draw out the programme for the occasion.

Here is a proposed and accepted programme outline drawn by the committee for the occasion;

Activity one, Saturday April 25, 2015, there shall be positioning of three (3) banners in the town of Samreboi and its environs (Amoaku, Police station roundabout and main factory gate).

Activity two, Tuesday and Wednesday April 28 and 29, 2015, the programme continues with a Health educational talk on sanitation, followed by an eye screening and deworming exercise for children between age of 2-10 years. The exercise will take place at our forest club at 10: am with a special medical team from Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Kumasi and Samartex Hospital Team.

Activity three, Wednesday April 29, 2015, we shall organize a tree planting exercise along side road from Tigarikrom to our Factory Gate . The inauguration of this exercise will be done by the General Manager, Mr. Richard Nsenkyire and some invited chiefs of the community.

On the same day a quiz competition will be held among the various schools in Samreboi Community by Samartex with a total number of seven Junior high schools and nine Primary schools presenting two students each from the various levels. The competition will be subject oriented (Mathematics, English, Science and General Knowledge). We shall have a live broadcast on Air (FM Radio Asanco). The competition shall take place at our management club house at 9:00. The company shall give package full of prizes ranging from a computer to a writing pen for emerging winners, certificates and consolation prizes for all participants.

Activity four, Thursday April 30, 2015, there shall be a general cleaning exercise starting at 6:00 am within and around Samreboi community. Dustbins would be placed at vantage points in ensuring a clean environment before and after the occasion.

On Friday May 1, 2015 the Dee Day - Activity five, there shall be an opening ceremony of Acrobatic display of the Samartex Logo by its employees at the Samartex Sports Stadium; this will follow by an opening football match between the various departments. There shall also be a live band performance in the evening by Masters Band from Takoradi to entertain our employees.

On Saturday May 2, 2015 Activity six, shall be the day for honouring our long service employees, Departmental Best Workers and Ex-employees thus to talk of those on(retirement and resignation) and to some selected well wishers of Samartex. It is on this same day that winners from the quiz competition will be honoured with their prizes. The award shall be in four different categories.

· Long Service Award

· Department Best worker

· Samartex well wishers

· Ex-workers award

The final football Match will also take place in the course of the same day to determine which team takes the trophy with the award that comes with it. This will be followed by a special live band treat at the Management club house at 7:00 pm.

On Sunday May 3, 2015 Activity seven, we shall all unit in one accord to give great thanks to the Lord Almighty for how far He has brought us at Samreboi Methodist Church.

• Apart from supplying her employees with potable treated drinking water, Samartex extends provision of free treated pipe borne water to inhabitants of communities within Samreboi like; Nsuakyir, Aboifie and Bekwai.
• The total monthly supply of water to these communities amounts to 36,000m3 with a total chemical cost of approximately, GH₵315,000 for treatment annually
• Samartex has gone further to install 7 additional Boreholes within close by Communities where its water supply does not reach eg. Tigarikrom, Bekwai, Nyamebekyere and Mempeasem Borehole Projects

However there have been challenges facing the company in the aspect of water treatment. Illegal/ Legally claimed mining activities have increased turbidity of water from the Tano River, requiring more chemical treatment. This directly affects cost of production as well as Portability of drinking water. This compelled us to opt for the construction of more bore holes for production and communities.

A 93 Bed hospital facility, caring for over 2,000 employees and 4,300 dependents of employees .as well as over 3,500 privet patients monthly , from about 56 communities with in two districts .

Our facilities include , A male ward , female ward ,children’s ward fully equipped laboratory , Casualty ,A maternity ward ,Theatre , X-ray , and Scan unit , Pharmacy , 24 Hr Ambulance service , a complete blood count machines with blood bank ect …

Our hospital has a staff of 72 including physician assistant , anesthetic stenographer ect,,

We have minimum three medical doctors at post at any given time , and we also provide ophthalmologist and physiotherapy services for the Samreboi community and its environs .

Hospital Development And Skill Upgrade

• Expansion of casualty to increase capacity to take in 10 beds
• New nurses quarters construction to before and end of 2018
• Two senior nurses trained for cervical screening and are currently operation carrying out via and PAP Smear
• Transfusion medical unit Okomfo Anokye teaching hospital train our doctors and nurses on safe blood transfusion practices.
• Neonatology training for Midwifes

Samartex Collaborates with Medtronic’s USA

This collaboration is basically for monitoring and controlling blood pressure of the patients and the potential patients ( Workers and non workers ) an app has been designed to remotely check and control B. P this is done in collaboration with CHPPS compounds , which are equipped with digital tablets to share BP readings and information with Samatex Hospital through the “ Akomapa App “